The Timberwolves have partially credited better rebounding, shooting and quicker play for their franchise-best 16-6 start.
However, despite a recent six-game winning streak -- all by double figures -- Minnesota is on pace for an NBA record low in free-throw attempts.

After their 125-117 loss at Dallas on Saturday, which ended the winning streak, the Wolves are averaging 19.4 free throws a game, worse than the 1973 Milwaukee Bucks (20.6 a game), the 1993 Detroit Pistons (20.9 a game) and the 2001 Knicks (21.1 a game).

The the problem is nothing new: Last season the Wolves averaged only 21.2 attempts a game, 28th in the league and a franchise low.

How important is it?

In the Wolves' six losses, they have been outscored by almost nine points a game from the free-throw line alone. And the problem is getting worse. Over the past 10 games, they have shot 16 a game.

Saturday night, the Mavericks outscored Minnesota by 13 points from the line. They won by 8.